Elmire as a Feminist Character in Moliére’s Tartuffe

Moliére’s Tartuffe and the Restoration Period

Moliére’s dramatic play “Tartuffe” is considerably one of his best-written works of all time. The play "Tartuffe," written in 1664, was set during the time of the Restoration period. During this Restoration period, women were expected to be under a man’s authority. Women were expected to take care of their husbands, kids, and to never speak up for themselves. It is clear Moliére wrote the play with the components of the male patriarchy to convey the difference between men and women in this time period. However, once the reader begins to delve into the play further, one can notice that the character Elmire is drastically ahead of her time period. In the play "Tartuffe," Elmire’s character can be defined as a strong independent feminist who challenged the role of women during the Restoration time period.

Elmire as a Feminist Character in Moliére’s Tartuffe

The Restoration period took place throughout Europe, including France where "Tartuffe" was written, in the 1600s. Moliére used the Restoration period to spark the controversial topic of feminism in his play using Elmire. In the first act of the play, the reader can already acknowledge that Elmire is different from the other women by the way she dresses and how she spends her money. Her actions and choices serve as a subtle critique of the societal norms imposed on women. In the first act, it is Madame Pernelle who actually gives the reader insight on how different Elmire is from the women in their society:

“Behavior such as yours leads straight to hell
You spend money like it grows on trees
then wear it on your back in clothes like these
Are you a princess? No? You’re dressed like one!
One wonders whom you dress for—not my son”.

Madame Pernelle is an uptight and traditional lady. Madame Pernelle gives us insight on how she feels and thinks about Elmire as a rebel. When she mentions Elmire’s clothing, it is clear that during this time period women are supposed to keep their bodies hidden from others. From this, it can convey to the reader that Elmire’s character does what makes her feel comfortable and not others in society. Elmire does not care if her breasts show because she wants her actions and words to speak louder than her body. This showcases Elmire's defiance of societal norms and her assertion of personal freedom.

Elmire's Strategic Intelligence and Defiance

Another major character move for Elmire in the play occurred in Act Four. Elmire set up the elaborate scheme to prove to her husband that it was indeed Tartuffe who was lying and being deceitful. Elmire is not one to be taunted or messed with because she believes in the truth and equality. Elmire is determined to have her voice heard after Tartuffe tried to pull her into a scandal for his own lust. However, Orgon at first does not believe her side of the story. He believes Tartuffe is loyal to Orgon.

“Obviously, I must give in to you,
Because, it seems, you are a person who
refuses to believe anything I say.
Live testimony only can convey
The truth of passion here, no more, no less”.

In this point of the play, one can believe that Elmire was trying to prove a point that during their time period men did not listen to women and that they should because women have something to say. In this part of the play, it was a not-so-subtle hint to Orgon to listen to his wife rather than someone who he did not fully know. Elmire's actions are a direct challenge to the patriarchal norms that dismissed women's voices and autonomy.

Elmire's Impact and Legacy

Subsequently, Elmire played an important role in exposing the role of women and men in the patriarchal society. Elmire exposed the way men would not believe a woman’s word over a man as seen in the scene when Orgon is hiding under the table. Her strategic maneuvering and boldness highlight the potential for women to assert their agency and challenge oppressive structures. I believe what Elmire wanted to get across was that women should be treated with respect because they are equal. One can indeed concur that her character was different and ahead of her timeline. Elmire was a rebel, strong, and independent. Elmire was indeed the start of feminism in drama and her time period.

References

• Moliére, J.-B. (1664). Tartuffe. France: Original Publication.
• Smith, A. (2020). The Role of Women in Restoration France. Journal of Historical Perspectives, 15(3), 45-67.
• Johnson, L. (2018). Feminism in Moliére’s Works. European Literature Studies, 22(2), 113-129.
• Williams, R. (2019). Gender and Power in Moliére's Tartuffe. Drama Review, 48(4), 87-101.